December 10, 2007

MINNEAPOLIS – Preachers are not simple representatives of a particular theological world. Each preacher manifests characteristics that arise from that person's particular approach to life, theology, and preaching.

In the first volume of the new Elements of Preaching series, Thinking Theologically, renowned homiletician Ronald J. Allen shows preaching is informed by the preacher's own theology rather than teaching how one can preach theology or deal with particular theological issues from the pulpit.

Thinking Theologically does not advocate for, nor is it written from, a particular theological stance. Instead it provides historical background and explores eleven major theological perspectives so that preachers can grasp their own understanding of authority, the Bible, the relationship of God to the sermon, and the purpose of the sermon. Moreover, by illustrating the unique characteristics of sermons preached from a particular theological viewpoint, Allen shows what is gained and lost in each approach.

"Elements of Preaching brings together a wondrous chorus of voices so essential for pluralistic seminary communities and congregations. This is the resource we've been waiting for!" – Barbara K. Lundblad, Union Theological Seminary.

"We've needed this book for a long time. Ron Allen provides preachers with a wise tour through the current wilderness of theological options, highlighting the best and most useful qualities of each theological movement, and raising questions that will spur further insight and reflection. This is an immensely helpful book that should be read by every student of preaching today." – John S. McClure, The Divinity School, Vanderbilt University.

"Thinking Theologically helps us not simply to locate ourselves amidst the multiple theological traditions flowing from our pulpits, but connects us to important conversation partners to explore further the various voices of theology vying within our very thinking that we might dare to proclaim a Word for creation." – Dale P. Andrews, Boston University School of Theology.

For more information about the Elements of Preaching series, visit http://www.elementsofpreaching.com/ .

Author: Ronald J. Allen is the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Preaching and New Testament at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. One of the most widely published authors in homiletics, he has written or coauthored over thirty books, including Wholly Scripture: Preaching Themes from the Bible (2004) and, with Clark Williamson, Preaching the Gospel without Blaming the Jews: A Lectionary Commentary (2004).

Series Editor: O. Wesley Allen Jr. is associate professor of homiletics and preaching at Lexington Theological Seminary, Lexington, Kentucky. An ordained United Methodist elder, with a Ph.D. in New Testament, his books include Reading the Synoptic Gospels: Basic Methods for Preaching Matthew, Mark, and Luke (2000) and The Homiletic of All Believers: A Conversational Approach (2005).

Thinking Theologically: The Preacher as Theologian, Elements of Preaching series, by Ronald J. Allen, ISBN: 978-0-8006-6232-5, Price: $12.00 / CAN $14.00 / UK £16.99, Specs: 5.5" x 8.5," paper, 96 pages.

To order Thinking Theologically: The Preacher as Theologian call Fortress Press at 1-800-328-4648 or visit the Web site at http://www.fortresspress.com/.

Fortress Press